Asbury Foundation donates $200K to DA offices

Hattiesburg, MS (WDAM) - Assistant district attorneys and investigators are all keeping an eye on the states budget situation.

Many were preparing to be furloughed, but now some pinebelt DA offices can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to the Asbury Foundation in Hattiesburg.

"They have agreed to provide certain funding to help us continue on where we will not have to send our folks home," said district attorney Jon Mark Weathers of the 12th district.

The foundation donated $200,000 to the12th, 13th, 15th and 18th district attorney offices.

"We knew that it was a good thing to do," said Bill Ray with the Asbury Foundation. "We knew the people that represent these offices are of the highest caliber."

Many DAs were worried about upcoming trials. They say without the help of their assistant DAs and prosecutors it would have been nearly impossible to do the work.

"Criminals are not going to take a time out, and criminals are not going to take a furlough during these same months so again this money will allow us to operate and we greatly appreciate this donation," said district attorney Tony Buckley of the 18th district.

"Certainly with us having five counties it's pertinent that we keep the people on board," said Hal Kittrell of the 15th district. "This truly is a life line to keeping our district afloat."

"I'm going to stay on the job here with Mr. Buckley as long as it takes," said assistant district attorney of the 18th district, J. Ronald Parrish. "I thank these gentlemen and their foundation for their support and I hope that we can get the same support from the legislature."

Although the receiving DAs represent local offices, there are 18 other districts that are still being threatened. They say they will all stick together to push the legislature for funding.